Key-operated pushbutton switch



April 20, 1965 A. FEHER, JR 3,179,756

KEY-OPERATED Y PUSHBUTTON SWITCH Filed May 23, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Alexander FeherJr, i5 Uma/@M His Attorhy April 20, 1965 A. FEHER, JR 3,179,756

KEY-OPERATED PUSHBUTTON SWITCH 3 Sheds-Sheet 2 I nventor A lexander Feher J r;

His Attorhg April 2o, 1965 A. FEHER, JR

Filed May 23, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Fig. 4.

5L /za /2/ s! 69 9 //.9 69 a es 3 /25 a9 a9 A 99 /os 95. m9 9/ 96 97 37 95 ll* /4 53 y 39 /07 5/ Fig. 5.

Inventor Alexander Feher Jn His Attorneg United States Patent O 3,179,756 KEY-UPERATED PUSHBUTTUN SWTCH Alexander Feiner, Jr., Bridgeport, Conn., assigner to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Filed-May 23, 1961, Ser. No. 113,987 16, Claims. (Cl. 20G-5) This invention relates to an improved key-operated electric switch and particularly to a multiple pushbutton type switch having a plurality of keys for operating some of the pushrods thereof.

Pushbutton type switches have found widespread application as appliance switches for electric ranges, washing machines, dryers, room airconditioners, etc. In certain of these applications, it is highly desirable to have a low cost and efficient means for operating such a switch by the pivotal movement of actuating members such as keys, rather than by the manual depression of a pushrod. To enhance the appearance of the switch and make its manipulation very convenient, the keys used in such switches as these are sometimes relatively large in size. In switches of the prior art incorporating these relatively large keys, all of the keys have most commonly been mounted coaxially in relationship to each other, thereby necessitating a switch with a relatively elongated configuration. It has therefore been found desirable to provide a new and improved switch that is operable by relatively large keys, but has a substantially reduced length and a very compact configuration. It has been considered further desirable to provide a simple and improved means for transferring pivotal motion from certain keys of such `a switch to a pair of adjacent pushrods. In addition, it has also been found desirable to obtain a novel means for controlling pivotal motion of these large sized keys, which means efficiently prevents any loose play thereof as they perform their selective pivoting functions.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a new and improved key-operated electric switch with a novel7 eiiicient and compact means for obtaining actuation by relatively large keys.

A further object of this invention is to provide a keyoperated electric switch which includes a multiple pushbutton type switch and yan improved means for transferring motion from certain keys to associated pushrods of the switch to operate the switch.

An additional object of this invention is to provide a key-operated electric switch with an improved detent means for controlling the positioning of a pair of adjacent keys.

In carrying out one aspect of my invention, I apply it to a multiple pushbutton type switch mechanism including a plurality of contacts selectively operated by pushrods for controlling the contacts. The pushrods are arranged parallel to each other and in a row. By my invention, at least one pair of irst and second opposed adjacent keys is arranged to operate a pair of associated rst and second pushrods, respectively, by pivotal movement of the keys to their actuating positions in opposite directions of rotation. The keys are relatively large and cover a much greater expanse than the widths of the pushrods. The first key is pivotally mounted about an axis on one side of the row of pushrods and it overlies both of the pushrods. The second key is pivotally mounted about an axis parallel to the `first-mentioned axis on the other side of the row of pushrods. The-first key has an operating section overlying the iirst pushrod and is engageable therewith for selective depression of the first pushrod. A

pivotal movement of the lever in the -same direction of rotation as the rst key. The second key has an operat- ICC ing section overlying an outer end of the lever and engageable with the lever for selective depression of the second pushrod by transmission of actuating force from the second key to the second pushrod by the lever. Such an arrangement of the keys provides a lcompact keyoperated pushbutton switch wherein eicient selective operation of the pushrods is achieved by movement of opposed adjacent keys in opposite rotary directions.

By a further aspect of my invention, I provide an improved detenting device for controlling the positioning of a pair of opposed actuating keys. This improved device may, of course, be combined with the aforesaid structure to provide a particularly desirable key-operated switch. My improved device is particularly applicable to a pair of keys arranged to pivot to their actuating positions in opposite directions of rotation, where the keys have oppositely disposed inner walls facing generally toward each other. The device includes a spring having a pair of specially formed resilient upright detentarms, and is disposed in the switch in generally underlying relationship to the inner walls of the pair of keys. One of the detent arms of the spring engages and coacts with la projection on the inner wall of an associated key to control the positioning of that key. The other detent arm engages and coacts with a projection on the inner wall of the other key to control the positioning thereof. Such an arrangement provides simplified and eicient control of the positioning of a pair of opposed keys by means of a single spring.

Further aspects of my invention will become apparent hereinafter, and the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter whch I regard als` my invention. The invention, as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view partially broken away of an improved key-operated switch embodying my invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the switch, partially in section and partially broken away to show the internal actuating mechanism of the switch;

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the switch;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken generally along the line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an end view of the switch; and

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary end View of the switch, partially in section, to show the detenting `arrangement for the switch keys.

Referring in detail to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a key-operated switch 1 with which my invention has been advantageously employed.` This particular switch 1 has been designed for use with an electric dryer apparatus and providessimplitied and efficient operation of a pushbutton switch 3 by means of the selective pivoting motion of tive relatively large sized switch actuating keys 5a-5e. Another key 5f is arranged to selectively actuate a sliding valve mechanism 7 for the dryer apparatus. For pivotally supporting the keys Str-5f, together with pushbutton switch 3, in a compact over-all unit, mounting bracket 9 has been provided. The bracket 9 also supports the sliding valve mechanism 7, and a motion transfer arrangement for transmitting pivotal motion from certain of the large sized keys Sa-S to pushbutton switch 3. The structure and operation of this motion transfer arrangement forms an important aspect of my invention and it shall be described in detail hereinafter.

Pushbutton switch 3 is of the multiple pushbutton type,

aurores and, as shown in FlG. 2, it includes five pushrods Ill, l2, i3, 14, and l. All of the pushrods lll-l5 are arranged in a row, as shown in FIG. 3, being disposed linearly and in parallel relationship. The pushrods M415 extend outwardly through appropriate apertures in top wall 17 of insulating body i9. Each pushrod 1145 has a cylindrically curved actuating portion 2l formed at its innermost end to cooperate with various inclined upper working surfaces 23 formed in actuating recesses 25 or" sliders 2,7. (See FIG. 2.) tate with actuating portions 2i. of pushrods fri-d5 in the well-known manner to provide a switch interlocking and actuating mechanism, the sliders being disposed in parallel side-by-side relationship to reciprocate longitudinally and actuate movable contact supporting arms 29. More particularly, the lower edge 3l of each slider, as shown in FIG. 2, has one or niore cam Surfaces 33 formed thereon for selectively engaging certain movable Contact supporting arms 29. Longitudinal movement of each slider effects the opening and closing of predetermined Contact pairs by cumming one or more movable contact supporting arms 29 in certain operating position(s) of the slider.

The inclined working surfaces 23 of the sliders are so arranged on the different sliders that only one pushrod may be fully depressed at any one time. More specifcally, to achieve switch interlocking, each pushrod actuating portion 2l extends into a group ot generally aligned actuating recesses 2S of the sliders, as shown in FIF. 2, and cooperates with the working surfaces 2.3 thereof. For the pushrod return operation, one or more inclined surfaces `Z3 of certain slider recesses move longitudinally to engage portion Zi of the depressed pushrod and return it to its outermost position upon the subsequent depression of another pushrod. As is thus well known in the art, the depression of one of the pushrods ll-l returns any previously depressed pushrod to its outermost position by coaction between one or more of the sl'ders and the previously depressed pushrod, and it also causes the longitudinal movement of one or more oi the sliders for actauting one or more pairs of contacts of the switch by engagement of cani surfaces 33 of the sliders with movable Contact supporting arms 29.

Turning now to the means for supporting the pushbutton switch 3, attention is directed to the structure of bracket 9 in FIG. 3. The mounting bracket 9 is generally flat, including platform 35 and longitudinally extensive parallel anges 37 and 39 projecting upwardly from opposite sides of platform 3S. (See PEG. 4.) Within platform 3S, a series of rectangular openings dl, such as the ones shown representatively in FG. 3, are positicned in row formation near flange 39 for receiving pushrods lll-l5 of pushbutton switch 3. (See FIG. 3.) The row of openings il is generally parallel to flange 39, and the long axis of each of the openings 4l is generally perpendicular to llange 39. A paircf laterally spaced openings d3, such as the pair shown in FG. 3, are positioned outwardly of the pushrod opening ll at each end of the row of pushrod openings for receiving a pair of embossed ears projecting outwardly from each upper end of switch body 19. F or attaching pushbutton switch 3 to bracket 9, a pair of screws 47, such as the one shown in FG. 3, are slipped through apertures i9 of platform 3d and tightened into threaded engagement with tapped holes 5l formed in the upper wall 17 of switch body lil. The pushbutton switch 3 is rigidly attached to the platform of bracket 9, with pushrods lll-l5 extending outwardly through apertures 4l (PlG. 4) and the longitudinal axis SZ (PEG. 3) of the pushbutton switch 3 generally parallel to ilange 39 and spaced closer to iiange 39 than to liange 37. (See Fit-G. 5.)

According to my invention, the switch ll is actuated by a plurality of identical keys Sume disposed in two parallel rows. An additional key 5f which manually controls sliding valve mechanism 7 is positioned in the end Sliders 2.7 selectively cooperi of one of the rows to provide in the illustrated switch unit two parallel rows of three keys each (FIG. l). More particularly, as shown in FlG. l, the keys 5a, 5b, and Se are in one row `which overlies pushrods lil-l5, and keys Sd, 5e, and 5f are in a second row offset from pushrcds lil-l5. The keys 5d, 5e, and 5f are also disposed in laterally opposite relationship, respectively, to keys 5a, 5b, and 5c. Thus, for example, key 5a is disposed in the row which overlies the pushrods M45, and key 5a is also in laterally opposite relationship to key 5o', which is in the row offset from the pushrods 11-15.

To pivotally support the keys fia-5f, a series of parallel posts 53 are staked into slots formed in two rows on bracket 9. One row of these slots is adjacent to each ot the langes 37 and 39. The posts 53 of each row have openings Sii (FIG. 3) which are in alignment so that two identical pivot rods 5S and 57 may be threaded through the posts without interference. rEhus, as shown in FIG. 3, pivot rod .'35 is disposed on one side of bracket 9 adjacent and generally parallel to flange 39 and platform 35. Pivot rod 57 is disposed on the other side of bracket 9 adjacent and generally parallel to ilange 37 and platform To secure pivot rods 55 and 57 upon their associated posts 53, speed nuts 59 are fastened to the outer ends of the rods after the rods have been threaded into the post openings 54. (See FlG. 5.)

All of the keys Srl-5f have an enlarged rectangular box-shaped configuration with a hollow inner cavity o() (FIG. 6). ln particular, as shown in FIG. 3, each key essentially includes handle section 6l; rear wall d3; side walls 65, o7 which are perpendicularly disposed relative to handle section 6l; and frontal wall 69. Handle section el is generally flat in overall appareance, but includes inwardly sloping surfaces 7l, 73, 75, and 77 (as shown tor the foreground key 5f of FG. 3) which conjunetively provide an indented actuating crease 79. Crease 79 is formed near and parallel to frontal wall 69, and is engaged by the linger tips for pivoting the key. The side walls o5 and 67 of the keys, which may be seen in HG. 3, have a vertical slot @l which is formed upwardly from lower edge 83 near rear wall 63. Slot 8l includes a pair of arcuate bearing surfaces 3S, and a pair of inwardly convex surfaces S7. The inwardly convex surfaces 57 are opposite to each other and are spaced apart by a distance slightly less than the diameter of rods 55 and 57 so that the side walls 65 and 67 of each key may be conveniently snapped into position upon the rods.

rhe keys Erz-5f each also include a switch operating projection d@ (FiG. l) which extends downwardly from the inner surface of handle section 6l near frontal wall 69. Projection 39 has a bottom face @l that slopes upwardly toward frontal wall o?, when the keys are viewed as shown in FIGS. 4 6. As shall be further described hereinafter, keys 5a, 5b, and 5c overlie the outer ends of pushrods lll, E3, and l5. Slanted faces 51 of the protections $9 of the keys 5a, 5b, and 5c tangentially engage' the curved outer ends of their associated pushrods to depress these pusnrods to their actuated positions.

Considering further the structure of each of the keys Sfr-5f, attention is directed to FlGS. 3, 4, and 5. Frontal wall 69 of each of the keys is sloped downwardly and away from rear wall 63 (viewing FG. 4). Near bottom edge 93 of frontal wall 69, an actuating nose 95 is formed. Nose 95 projects downwardly and outwardly away from bottom edge 93 and includes a longitudinally extensive curved actuating surface 96 (FIG. 4). As shall be turther described hereinafter, noses 95 of the keys 5d and 5e overlie the outer ends of pivoted motion transmitting levers 97 to selectively actuate pushrods 12. and lll by pivotal motion of keys 5d and 5e.

As shown in FIG. l, keys 5a, 5b, and 5c are pivotally and coaxially mounted in side-by-side relationship on rod 55 for movement toward their depressed positions in the same direction of rotation. For example, key Sc, as shown tion in a counterclockwise direction of rotation about itsv axis. The keys 5a and 5b in like manner also pivot to their depressesd positions in this same direction of rotation. Projections S9 of the keys 5a, 5b, and 5c overlie the pushrods 11, 13, and 15, respectively, and directly actuate these pushrods when the keys 5a, 5b, and 5c are selectively depressed.

As further` shown in FIG. l, keys 5d, 5e, and 5f are pivotally and coaxially mounted in side-by-side relationship on rod 57 for movement toward their depressed positions in the same direction of rotation. However, the direction of rotation for movement of keys 5d, 5e, and 5f to their depressed positions is directly opposite to the direction of rotation for movement of keys 5a, 5b, and 5c :to these positions. For example, key 5f, as shown on the left side of FIG. 5, pivots to its depressed position in a clockwise direction of rotation about its axis, which direction is opposite to the counterclockwise direction of rotation for similar movement of its laterally opposite key 5c.

To expeditiously transmit the pivotal motion of keys 5d and 5e to pushrods 12 and 14, respectively, by means of my invention, the levers 97 have been provided. Levers 97 are shaped like shallow channels (FIG. 4) and each includes a tab 99 turned angularly upwardly from end 101 (FIG. 6). The tab 99 of each lever 97 is extended through a slot 103 (FIG. 3) of bracket ange 39, to pivotally support the lever 97 thereupon. As shown in FIGS. l and 5, levers 97 are elongated, and each lever extends transversely to the platform 35 as Well as to the longitudinal axis of pushbutton switch 3. In particular, one of the levers 97 extends underneath the entirety of key 5a and overlies the curved outer end of pushrod 12. The-free end -1t5 of the lever 97 which extends underneath key 5a is disposed directly underneath the actuating nose 95 of keySd. The other one of the levers 97 extends underneath the entirety of key 5b and overlies the curved outer end of pushrod 14, as shown in FIG. 4. The free end 105 of the lever 97 which extends underneath key 5b is disposed directly underneath the actuating nose 95 of key 5e.

Levers 97 are mounted in their slots 103 on bracket flange 39 for pivotal movement toward platform 35 in the same direction of rotation as the keys 5a and 5b. To control vibrations between levers 97 and .their associated pushrods 12 and 14, a wire 107 is strung on the outside of flange 39 through downwardly facing tabs 109 of ange 39 and upwardly facing tabs 99 of the two levers (FIGS. 3 and 4). Wire 107 thus assumes an undulatory configuration, asshown in FIG. 3,- and normally biases the free ends 105 of the levers 97 upwardly and away from their associated pushrods 12 and 14 (FIG. 4).

For an explanation of the operation of pushbutton switch 3 by the keys-5d and 5e, attention is directed to FIG. 4, wherein the laterallyopposed keys 5b and 5e are illustrated. Switch operating projection 89 of key 5b,vas shown in FIG. 4, is disposed behind pushrod 14 and it overlies pushrod 1-3. (See also FIG. l.) -When key Sbis depressed, the-sloped face 91 of its projection 89 rotates through an arc drawn ,about the axis ofrotation of keySb. Face 91 of keyy 5b thus moves through this are for a particular appropriate arcuate length required,v to completely depress pushrod13. The curved actuating surface' 96 of key 5e normally engages the flat upper surface of the free end S-of lever 97; and when key 5e is depressed, surface 96 thereof forces the lever 97 to pivot downwardly and'depresspushrod 14. When key 5e is depressed, the actuating surface 96 of nose 95 (whichis farther-away from itsfaxisof rotation than-is projection 89 of key 5e) rotates through an arc drawn about the axis of rotation of key 5e. The curved actuating surface 96 of key 5e thus moves through this arc for an arcuate length considerably greater than the arcuate length through which face 91 of key 5b moves to its actuated position. However, in view of the pivotal mount-` ing and disposition of lever 97, when key 5e is depressed, the inner flat surface of the lever 97 overlies and is engageable with pushrod 14, rotates about its axis (i.e., tab 99 at slot 103) for an arcuate length approximately equivalent to the arcuate length of movement for projeetion 89 of key 5b. It will therefore be seen that lever 97 imparts motion to pushrod 14 which is substantially equivalent to the motion imparted to pushrod 13 by key 5b. Such a motion transmission arrangement for the transversely offset keys 5d and 5e effectively and substantially equalizes the forces imposed upon the pushrods by the keys Saz-5e of the switch, and thereby enhances eilcient switch operation.

The key 5d operates in essentially the same manner as describe/:l for key 5e, except that the pivotal actuating motion of key 5d is transmitted by its associated lever 97 to pushrod 12.

Turning now to a further aspect of the present invention which concerns itself with an improved means for minimizing loose play of the keys and controlling the pivotal motion thereof, attention is directed to FIGS. 3 and 6. Between the two rows of keys 5a, 5b, 5c, and Sd, 5e, 5f, .a U-shaped center rai1'111 is positioned on bracket 9. More particularly, rail 111 includes two opposed vertical ends 113 (FIG. 3) which are attached to bracket platform 35 by screws 115, such as the one shown in FG. 3. ,Elongated section 117 of rail 111 has opposed sides 119 which curve upwardly and away from eacl1 other abruptly near flat outer longitudinal surface 121 (as shown in FIG. 5). Shoulder 123 of each of the actuating noses of keys Slt-5f engages the underside ledge 125 (FfG. 4) of rail section 117 to limit the pivotal motion of the keys at ltheir outer or undepressed positions after theyhave been returned thereto from their depressed positions. Underneath the underside of rail section 117 between each pair of laterally disposed keys, a double detent spring 127 is positioned on bracket 9. (See FIGS. 3 and 6.)

The spring 127 includes a generally at basal section 129 which is riveted to platform 35, and a pair of laterally and longitudinally offset resilient arms 131 and 132. Resilient arms 131 and 132 are arranged to continuously engage and control associatedkeys during the pivotal movement of the keys. The arms 131 and 132 are each bent upwardly and inwardly from basal section 129 (as shown in FIG. 6) and then bowed outwardly to form intermediate groove 133 and convex outer face or cheek 135. The free end 137 of each of the arms 131 and 132 is then turned back outwardly to provide'an outer groove 139.

Turning now to an explanation of how the double detent springs 127 control the positioning of each laterally opposed pair of keys, attention is directed in particular to FIG. 6. Each of the keys 55145]c has a special detent lip 141 formed on the bottom edge'93 of frontal wall 69. (See also FIG. 3.) Lip 141 is formed on each key next to actuating nose 95 (FIG. 3), and the inner longitudinal end 141e ofthe lip is located Yapproximately at the longitudinal` center of frontal wall 69. Withthe lips 141 formed on the identical keys Stz-Sf in this manner, the lips 141'of laterally opposed keys, such as, for" example, the keys 5c and 5f, present laterally and longitudinally offset projecting 'surfaces for coaction with the resilient arms 131 and132 of double detent spring 127. More particularly, in viewing FIG. 6, lip 141 of key 5J is disposed opposite to and coacts with resilient arm 132 ourense To further explain the operation of detent spring 127 in conjunction with keys Srl-5f of my improved switch, attention is directed to Flf. 6. When key 5c is in its outer or undepressed position, where it is shown in FlG. 6, the bottom outer edge of lip lill rests at the top of convex outer face 135 at or near outer groove 139. Lip 141 of key 5c is then biased into that position by resilient force impmted thereto by arm 131. ln particular, the curvature of face 135 of arm 131 acts on lip 341 to hold key 5c in its outer position. When one of the keys Scl-5f is depressed, the curvature of face 135 of the associated detent spring arm initially resists the pivotal motion of the key to provide the desired control thereof. When the depressed key, such as key 5f in FlG. 6, has reached its innermost position, the bottom outer edge of lip 141 is engaged by the upwardly and inwardly inclined bottorn surface of arm 132. The fiat and inclined bottom `surface of arm 132 then moves resiliently outwardly and cams key 5f to its normal depressed position, where k y 5f is shown in FlG. 6. T he upper outer edge of lip lol then engages underneath the bottom of convex outer face 135 at or near intermediate `groove 133 and the curvature of face 135 holds key 5f in its normal depressed position. Biasing force imparted to lip lill of key 5f by arm thus retains key 5f in its normal depressed position (FIG. 6).

It will now therefore be seen that each of the double detent springs 127 of my improved switch 1 coacts upon a laterally opposed pair of keys to efficiently control the positioning of each or the keys.

To enable key 5f of my improved switch l. to mechanically operate the sliding valve mechanism 7, selective latching device 143 has been provided. See FIG. 2.) Device 143 includes a cylindrically conhgured housing 1625 (FlG. 2) with flanges 147 (FlG. 3) formed near one of its ends for attachment to an L-shaped valve bracket 149 of valve mechanism 7. Driving plunger 5,51 of device 143 extends into housing 14S and selectively engages a ratchet mechanism (not shown)- in the housing to first move the driven plunger 153 downwardly (viewing FIG. 5) and hold it in its depressed position when plunger 151i is released. The next time driving plunger 151 is depressed, it acts upon the ratchet mechanism to release driven plunger 153 and allow it to be returned to its original position. Turning now to the sliding valve mechanism, the l-shaped bracket 149 has a ilow sleeve 154 (FlG. 2) mounted perpendicularly near its bottom and a lanced post 155 for supporting the bottom of housing 145. Slide 159 moves along bracket 149 within guiding tabs 16@ thereof (FlGS. 3 and 5), and has a projecting platform 157 which extends througl slot 161 of bracket M9. The slide 159 also has a flow sleeve 162 fastened perpendicularly to its outer face. Sleeve 162 becomes axially aligned with sleeve 15d of bracket 149 when slide 159 is in its depressed position to allow the flow of a tluid through the two sleeves. Driven plunger 153 of device 143 extends through post 155 and its bottom rests upon projecting platform 157. To continuously bias slide 159 upwardly along the juxtaposed face of bracket 14E-9, tension spring 15S has one of its ends connected to platform 157 and the other end is connected to the upper section of bracl et 1li-il. Spring 158 thus runs in tension to bias slide l5@ into the position Where it is shown in FIG. 2. When slide 159 is in this position, the flow sleeves 154 and lol are in vertically offset relationship and passage of a uid through the sleeves is blocked by interrupting wall surfaces of bracket 149 and slide 159.

For an explanation of the specific mode of operation of valve mechanism 7 as is achieved by the action of key 5f upon the selective latching device 143, attention is directed to FIGS. 2 and 5. When key 5f is in its outer or undepressed pivotal position, the slanted face SP1 of actuating projection 89 overlies driving plunger 151 and is spaced vertically therefrom. When driving plunge 151 is in the position where it is shown in FIG. 5, the driven plunger l53 engages platform 157 or slide 159 to hold flow sleeve 162 of the slide downwardly against the biasing force of tension spring When valve mechanism 7 is in this position, the flow sleeve 162 of slide 159 is vertically offset from flow sleeve 154 of bracket M9 and flow is blocked through the sleeves by opposing walls of the slide and bracket, respectively.

Vr/hen key 5f is depressed from the position which it assumes in FG. 5, driving7 plunger 151 is pushed downwardly by face 91 of projection S9 to its dotted position 15in, and driven plunger 153 is moved downwardly to dotted position 15351. As driven plunger 153 moves to position 153g, it drives platform 157 with it, and slide thus moves downwardly within tabs 16d. As the slide 15? moves along the contiguous face of bracket 141?, flow sleeve 162 thereupon moves into alignment with flow sleeve lll-t to allow fluid communication through the sleeves. Latchirig device 143 holds driven plunge T53 in position lSBo until the next time driving plunger lll is depressed. After valve mechanism 7 has thus been opened by the depression of key 5f, it is closed the next time the l'ey 5f is depressed. More particularly, when driving plunger lrll is in position lSla, the next time it is depressed by key 5f, it is released by latching device and returns to its original position along with driven plunger 153. When driven plunger returns to its original position, where it is shown in full in FlG. 5, spring acts upon slide 159 to return it to the closed position. Flow sleeves and 162 are then out of communication to block the flow therethrough.

rl`he key S therefore combines with selective latching device M3 ald valve mechanism 7 to provide a simple and efficient ey-operated valve which is built into my improved switch l.

lt will now therefore be seen that my new and improved key-operated switch as herein illustrated provides an efhcient and compact means for obtaining keyoperated control ot a multiple pushbutton switch. lt will further be realized that new and improved switch achieves a novel and simplilied structure for controlling a switch by a pair of laterally opposed keys. lt should be understood that certain aspects of my invention may be incorporated benelicially and etliciently in other various types of pushbutton switch applications.

While in accordance with the Patent Statutes, I have described what at present is considered to be the preferred embodiment of my invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications rnay be made therein without departing from my invention, and l therefore aim in the following claims to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

What l claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. A key-operated switch comprising a multiple pushbutton type switch mechanism having a plurality of contacts and means including at least one pair of parallel pushrods for operating the contacts, and means for operating said pushrods comprising rst and second relatively wide keys pivotally mounted about separate parallel axes disposed on opposite sides of said puslirods for pivotal movement to their respective actuating positions opposite rotary directions, said first key including an operating section overlying one of said pushrods and engageable therewith for selective depression of the associated pushrod, a pivoted lever at least partially underlying said lirst key and overlying the other of said pushrods, said second key including an operating section overlying a portion of said lever and engageable with said lever for selective depression of the last-mentioned pushrod by said lever, whereby said first and second keys pivot about their axes in opposite directions of rotation to selectively and efficiently operate said pushrods.

2. A key-operated switch comprising a multiple pushbutton type switch mechanism having a plurality of contacts and means including at least one pair of parallel pushrods arranged in a row for operating the contacts, and means for operating said pushrods comprising first and second keys pivotally mounted about separate parallel axes disposed on opposite sides of said pushrods for pivotal movement to their respective actuating positions in opposite rotary directions, said keys being relatively wide and covering a much greater expanse than the widths of the pushrods,V said first key overlying both of said pushrods and including an operating section overlying one of said pushrods, the operating section of said first key being engageable with said one pushrod for selective depression of said pushrod, a pivoted lever underlying said first key and overlying the other of said pushrods, said second key including an operating section overlying an outer end of said lever and engageable with said lever for selective depression of the Vlast-mentioned pushrod by said lever, whereby said first and second keys pivot about their axes in opposite directions of rotation to selectively and efficiently operate said pushrods.

3. A key-operated switch comprising a multiple pushbutton type switch mechanism having a plurality of contacts and means including at least one pair of parallel pushrods for operating the contacts, and means for operating said pushrods comprising first and second relatively wide keys pivotally mounted about separate parallel axes disposed on opposite sides of said pushrods for pivotal movement to their respective actuating positions in opposite rotary directions,.said first key including an operating section overlying one of `said pushrods and engageable therewith for selective depression of the associated pushrod, a pivoted lever overlying the other of said pushro'dsgand mounted on an axis adjacent the axis of said first key, said second key including an operating section overlying a portion of said lever and engageable with said lever for selective depression of the lastmentioned pushrod by said lever, whereby said first and second keys pivot about their axes in opposite directions of rotation to selectively and efiiciently operate said pushrods.

4. A key-operated switch comprising a multiple pushbutton type switch mechanism having a plurality of contacts and means including at least one pair of parallel pushrods for operating the contacts, and means for operating said pushrods comprising first and second relatively Wide keys pivotallyimounted about separate parallel axes disposed on opposite sides of said pushrods for pivotal movementV to their respective actuating positions in opposite rotary directions, said first key including a downwardly protruding operating section overlying one of said pushrods and located between the axis of said first key and the front end thereof, said operating section being enfageable with said one pushrod for selective depression of the associated pushrod, a pivoted lever atleast partially underlying said first key and overlying the other of said pushrods, said second key including a downwardly protruding operating section at the front end thereof spaced laterally from the operating section of said first key, said last-mentionedoperating sectionoverlying a portion of said lever and engageable with` said lever for selective depression of the last-mentioned pushrod by said lever, whereby said first and second keys pivot about their axes in opposite directions of rotation to selectively and etilciently operate said pushrods.

5. A key-operated switch comprising a multiple pushbutton type switch mechanism having a plurality of contacts and means includingat least one pair of parallel pushrods arranged in a rowfor operating the contacts, and means for operating said pushrods comprising first and second keys pivotally mounted about separate parallel axes disposed on opposite sides of said pushrods for pivotal movement to their respective actuating positions in opposite rotaryvidirections, said-keys being relativelywide and covering: a much greater` expanse than the widths of the pushrods, said first key overlying both of said pushrods and including an operating section overlying one of said pushrods, the operating section of said first key being engageable with said one pushrod for selective depression of said pushrod, a pivoted lever underlying said first key and overlying the other of said pushrods, spring means biasing said lever away from said other pushrod and toward the underside of said first key, and said second key including an operating section overlying an outer end of said lever and engageable with said lever for selective depression of the last-mentioned pushrod by said lever, whereby said first and second keys pivot about their axes in opposite directions of rotation to selectively and efficiently operate said pushrods.

6. A key-operated switch comprising a multiple pushbutton type switch mechanism having a plurality of contacts and means including at least one pair of parallel pushrods arranged in a row for operating the contacts, and means for operating said pushrods comprising first and second keys pivotally mounted about separate parallel axes disposed on opposite sides of said pushrods for pivotal movement to their respective actuating positions in opposite rotary directions,V said keys being relatively wide and covering a much greater expanse than the widths of the pushrods, said first key overlying both of said pushrods and including an operating section overlying one of said pushrods, the operating section of said first key being engageable with said one pushrod for selective depression of said pushrod, a mounting bracket for said switch mechanism and said keys, a pivoted lever having a tab at one end thereof extending through an aperture in said mounting bracket, said lever underlying said first key and overlying the other of said pushrods, a spring wire engaging said tab and biasing said lever away from said other pushrod and toward the underside of said first key, and said second key including an operating section overlying the end of said lever remote from said tab and engageable with said lever for selective depression of the lastmentioned pushrod by said lever, whereby said first and second keys pivot about their axes in opposite directions of rotation to selectively and eiciently operate said pushrods. v

7. A key-operated switch comprising a multiple pushbutton type switch mechanism having a plurality of contacts and means including a plurality of parallel pushrods arranged in a row for operating the contacts, and means for operating said pushrods comprising first and second rows of keys pivotally mounted about separate parallel axes disposed on opposite sides of said pushrods for pivotal movement to their respective actuating positions in opposite rotary directions, said keys being relatively wide and covering a much greater expanse than the widths of the pushrods, the keys of said first row overlying said pushrods and each including an operating section engageable with one of said pushrods, the operating sections of the keys in said first row being engageable with their respective pushrods for selective depression thereof, a plurality of` pivoted levers each underlying one of theV keys in said first row and overlying a pushrod not engageable by said keys in said first row, the keys of said second row each. including an operating section overlying the outer end of one of said levers and engageable with said lever for selective depression of the pushrod associated therewith, whereby the keys in said first and second rows pivot about their axes in opposite directions of rotation to selectively and efficiently operate said pushrods.

8. A key-operated electric switch comprising a base, a plurality of contacts and means including at least one pair of oppositely disposed keys for operating the contacts, said keys having oppositely disposed walls which face toward each other and being pivotally mounted for movement on said base in opposite directions of rotation, and a detent spring having tWo detenting sections, means whereby each of said detenting sections has independent i l movement with respect to said other section and engages with a respective one of said walls of said keys thereby to eparately control the positioning of said keys.

9. A key-operated electric switch comprising a plurality of contacts and means` including at least one pair of oppositely disposed keys for operating the contacts, said keys having oppositely disposed walls having lips which face toward each other, and being arranged to pivot in opposite directions of rotation, and a detent spring means engageable with said lips thereby to control the positioning of said keys, said spring means including a pair of arms engageable respectively by said lips, each of said arms including a pair of grooves for dening the upper and lower positions of said keys and an outwardly curved section between said grooves facilitating the engagement of said lips in said grooves.

10. A key-operated switch comprising a multiple pushbutton type switch mechanism having a plurality of contacts and means including at least one pair of parallel pushrods for operating the contacts, and means for operating said pushrods comprising first and second relatively wide keys pivotally mounted about separate parallel axes disposed on opposite sides of said pushrods for pivotal movement to their respective actuating positions in opposite rotary directions, said rst key including an operating section overlying one of said pushrods and engageable therewith for selective depression of the associated pushrod, a pivoted lever at least partially underlying said rst key and overlying the other of said pushrods, said second key including an operating section overlying a portion of said lever and engageable with said lever for selective depression of the last-mentioned pushrod by said lever, whereby said first and second keys pivot about their axes in opposite directions of rotation to selectively and eiiiciently operate said pushrods, said keys each including a detent lip on the outer edge thereof, and spring means engageable with said lips to control the positioning of said keys, said spring means comprising a separate spring arm for each of said keys, with each spring arm including a pair of grooves defining the upper and lower positions of the associated key and an outwardly curved section between said grooves for facilitating the engagement of said lips in said grooves.

ll. A key-operated electric switch comprising a piurality of contacts and means including at least one pair ot oppositely disposed keys for operating the contacts, said keys having oppositely disposed walls having lips which face toward each other and are laterally spaced apart, said keys being arranged to pivot in opposite directions of rotation, and an integral detent spring engageable with said walls of said keys thereby to control the positioning of said keys, said spring having a base portion and a pair of laterally spaced arms projecting upwardly from said base portion and engageable respectively by said lips, each of said arms including a pair of grooves for defining the upper and lower positions of said keys, an outwardly curved portion between said grooves for facilitating the engagement of said lips in said grooves, and a slanted portion between said base portion and the lower of said grooves to return said key to said lower groove upon overtravel of said key beyond said groove.

12. A key-operated switch comprising a multiple pushbutton type switch mechanism having a plurality of contacts and means including at least one pair ot parallel pushrods for operating the contacts, and means tor operating said pushrods comprising first and second relatively wide keys pivotally mounted about separate parallel axes disposed on opposite sides of said pushrods for pivotal movement to their respective actuation positions, said tirst key including an operating section overlying one of said pushrods and engageable therewith for selective depression of the associated pushrod, a pivoted lever overlying the other of said pushrods, said second key including operating section engageable with said lever for selective depression of the last-mentioned pushrod by said,

lever, whereby said first and second keys pivot about their axes to selectively and efficiently operate said pushrods.

13. in a key-operated unitary appliance control panel, a mounting bracket, a multiple pushbutton switch providing electrical control functions and having a pluraiity of pushrods aligned in a single row secured to said mounting bracket, said multiple pushbutton switch being secured to said mounting bracket, first and second rows of keys for actuating said pushrods, said rows of keys being mounted adjacent to one another and pivotally mounted about separate parallel axes on said mounting bracket, with the keys of said first row having an operating section for actuating their associated pushrods directly and the keys of said second row spaced from their associated pushrods, lever means engageable by said keys in said second row, said lever means engageable with their associated pushrods, said keys actuating said pushrods through said lever means which re engageable with said pusirods, a separate mechanism for controlling a mechanical function mounted on said mounting bracket, said separate mechanism being disposed underneath one of said keys in said second row, said pushrods spaced laterally from said separate mechanism, and said separate mechanism including an actuating member having means engaged by said one key, whereby said panel is effective to control both electrical functions and a mechanical function.

14. In a unitary appliance control panel, a mounting bracket, a multiple pushbutton switch providing electrical control vfunctions and having a plurality of pushrods aligned in a single row, said multiple pushbutton switch being secured to said mounting bracket, irst and second rows ot keys in actuating engagement with said pushrods, said rows of keys being mounted adjacent to one another on said mounting bracket, means connecting said keys in each of said rows of keys in actuating engagement with said aligned pushrods, and a valve mechanism supported on said bracket and spaced laterally from said pushrods, said valve mechanism disposed underneath one of said (eys for actuation thereby, said valve mechanism including an actuating plunger engaged by said one key and means connected to said plunger whereby said actuator is effective to open said valve mechanism upon a first operation of said one key and to close said valve mechanism upon the next operation of said one key, whereby said unitary panel is effective to provide both electrical control functions and a flow regulating function.

l5. in a unitary appliance control panel, a planar mounting bracket having an upper and a lower face, a multiple pushbutton switch for providing electrical control functions and having a plurality of pushrods aligned in a single row secured to the lower face of said mounting bracket, a plurality of actuators in actuating engagement with said pushrods, said actuators being secured to the upper face of said mounting bracket in at least two parallel rows, said rows being adjacent to one another, means connecting said actuators in each of said rows of actuators in actuating engagement with said aligned pushrods, and a valve mechanism spaced laterally from said pushrods and secured to the lower face of said bracket, said valve mechanism mounted under one of said actuators in one of the rows for operation thereby, and said valve mechanism including a movable plunger engaged by said one actuator and means connected to said plunger whereby said actuator is effective to open said valve mechanism upon a first operation of said one actuator and to close said valve mechanism upon the next operation of said one actuator, whereby said unitary panel is eiective to provide both electrical control functions and a flow regulating function.

16. A key-operated switch and valve control for a dryer, comprising a multiple pushbutton type switch mechanism having a plurality of contacts and means including a plurality of valigned pushrods for operating said contacts; a valve. mechanism including a stationary flow sleeve, a movable flow sleeve arranged for movement into and out of registry with said stationary flow sleeve and a motion transfer means including an input plunger for operating said movable flow sleeve; bracket means mounting said switch mechanism and said Valve mechanism in a laterally spaced arrangement; and irst and second rows of keys for operating said pushrods of said switch mechanism and said input plunger of said valve mechanism, said rows of keys being pivotally mounted about separate parallel axes disposed on opposite sides of said pushrods for pivotal movement to their respective actuating positions in opposite rotary directions, the keys of said rst row each including an operating section engageable with one of said pushrods, a plurality of levers each overlying a pushrod not engageable by the keys in said rst row, the keys in said second row including operating sections for respectively engaging and operating said levers to depress the pushrods associated therewith, and one of the keys in said second row having an operating section for engaging said plunger to actuate said movable tlow sleeve, whereby said rows of keys are effective to control both said switch mechanism and said valve mechanism.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,469,650 5/49 Isserstedt 200-5 2,508,181 5/50 May 251-321 2,557,351 6/51 Jacobson 200--5 2,677,730 5/54 Weidenman 20G-5 2,773,139 12/56 Forstrom et a1 200-5 2,821,582 1/58 Kimball et al. 200-5 2,835,753 5/58 Lewis 200--5 2,888,986 6/59 Naxon 68--12 2,975,245 3/61 Woodward 200-5 3,071,659 1/63 Kimball 20G-166 ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Acting Primary Examiner. MAX L. LEVY, BERNARD A. GILHEANY, Examiners. 

1. A KEY-OPERATED SWITCH COMPRISING A MULTIPLE PUSHBUTTOM TYPE SWITCH MECHAMISM HAVING A PLURALITY OF CONTACTS AND MEANS INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE PAIR OF PARALLEL PUSHRODS FOR OPERATING THE CONTACTS, AND MEANS FOR OPERATING SAID PUSHRODS COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND RELATIVELY WIDE KEYS PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ABOUT SEPARATE PARALLEL AXES DISPOSED ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID PUSHRODS, FOR PIVOT MOVEMENT TO THEIR RESPECTIVE ACTUATING POSITIONS IN OPPOSITE ROTARY DIRECTIONS, SAID FIRST KEY INCLUDING AN OPERATING SECTION OVERLYING ONE OF SAID PUSHRODS AND ENGAGEABLE THEREWITH FOR SELECTIVE DEPRESSION OF THE ASSOCIATED PUSHROD, A PIVOTED LEVER AT LEAST PARTIALLY UNDERLYING SAID FIRST KEY AND OVERLYING THE OTHER OF SAID PUSHRODS, SAID SECOND KEY INCLUDING AN OPERATING SECTION OVERLYING A PORTION OF SAID LEVER AND ENGAGEABLE WITH SAID LEVER FOR SELECTIVE DEPRESSION OF THE LAST-MENTIONED PUSHROD BY SAID LEVER, WHEREBY SAID FIRST AND SECOND KEYS PIVOT ABOUT THEIR AXES IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS OF ROTATION TO SELECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY OPERATE SAID PUSHRODS. 